Pabst Blue Ribbon Is Selling A Hard Coffee Beverage
Can't decide between the pick-me-up of coffee and the pleasant buzz of a beer? You can now have both. Beermaker Pabst Blue Ribbon is testing a new product, Pabst Hard Coffee, which is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of java and beer.
This new brew isn't just another coffee-flavored beer, it's really coffee spiked with alcohol. The company describes the drink as vanilla-infused premium iced coffee with 5 percent alcohol by volume. "It's a fun and deliciously unique drink made using Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and rich, creamy American milk," Pabst noted in a press release.
"Pabst Blue Ribbon has always been a brand that pushes boundaries and celebrates those who experiment and try new things," brand manager John Newhouse said in a statement. "Hard Coffee is an opportunity for us to pioneer a delicious and fun new drink, and give America something unique. We hope everyone loves it as much as we do."
Hard coffee may be coming for hard seltzer's crown. But for now, you need to be in one of five states to crack open a can of this latest infusion. According to a tweet from PBR, the Hard Coffee is only available in Pennsylvania, Maine, New Jersey, Florida and Georgia. Residents of those states can check the company's online product finder on Pabst.com for exact stores.
Hi! Right now our Hard Coffee is in limited release in Pennsylvania, Maine, New Jersey, Florida + Georgia. If you want to see if it is near you in any of those states, you can check out our Product Finder on our website. Let us know if you have any further questions!
— Pabst Blue Ribbon (@PabstBlueRibbon) July 1, 2019
VinePair.com points out that numerous drinkers have already reviewed the new brew at Untappd, where it seems to appeal to those who like their drinks sweet. More than one reviewer compares Pabst Hard Coffee to the creamy childhood drink Yoo-hoo.
"Reese's cups and vanilla wafers," wrote reviewer Anthony. "Not beer, but not really trying to be. Alcoholic Yoo-hoo." Meanwhile, Roger S. wrote, "Was not expecting this ... coffee Yoo-hoo with alcohol. Win-win!"
The hard coffee isn't the only way that PBR is shaking up its portfolio of beers. In the tradition of a PBR and a shot at your local dive bar, the brand is also planning to roll out its own whiskey. But until the time comes when you can imbibe solely products made by Pabst, you can pick up one of the healthiest beers you can drink.